Essex council hit by fine after father killed by reversing bin lorry
Chelmsford City Council fined £80,000 after father killed by reversing bin lorry (Image: Getty)
Chelmsford City Council in Essex has been fined after a father was killed when he was struck by a bin lorry while on the job.
The council was fined £80,000 after the father of three’s death in December of 2017.
John Bishop, who was 37, passed away when he was struck by the underside of a bin lorry which was reversing down Osea Way.
The bin lorry[1] incident prompted the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to investigate the situation where it found the city council failed to effectively manage the risks of moving refuse vehicles.
The workplace regulator also found the council failed to provide effective training and instruction for agency workers and safe procedures and that it had failed to monitor employee workplace practices.
Steve’s partner Nickie Bishop said of his death: “I would like to reiterate the pain this has caused me and my boys. My boys’ dad will never be brought back from this tragic incident. Me and my sons shall never get over this.
“I hope more than anything that no other family ever has to go through this heartbreak, to have a knock on the door to say their partner who is hard at work and been run over.
“For me now, as my 11-year-old and nine-year-old bring up fond memories of their dad[2] and family moments, I am having the difficult subject of my youngest son, who is five, asking about his dad, and why he is in the sky.”
Chelmsford City Council pleads guilty to breaching health and safety rules after father killed by bin lorry
Chelmsford[3] City Council pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) and Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety Act 1974.
The local authority was fined[4] £80,000 and ordered to pay £61,065 in costs to Chelmsford Crown Court on June 16 this year.
HSE inspector Saffron Turnell said: “Several health and safety management failings were identified by this public organisation which led to inconsistent systems of work and provision of training in the high-risk activity of waste collection. Nickie’s words make clear the impact Steve’s passing has had on the family and our thoughts remain with them.
“Local authorities and companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to hold to account those that fall below the required standards.”
This prosecution was supported by HSE enforcement lawyer Rebecca Schwartz.